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BeyondBlue Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start
  • replies: 0

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are... View more

Hi there and welcome to the Anxiety section of the Forums First of all, thank you so much for joining us here. We think it’s amazing that you’ve taken this step to getting support and learning from this Community. You are very welcome here and we are really interested in what you might want to add to these conversations. We get it, having anxiety makes it hard to share in a public place. Remember, this is anonymous and the Beyond Blue team are here to help if you need it This section is for people who are experiencing anxiety in some form in their lives. This might be in social settings, at work, or just in the day to day. You don’t need a diagnosis to post here. If it feels like the right spot for your post, go right ahead! We know that feeling anxious can make it hard to reach out so we want you to know that getting this far is amazing and a great start. A few tips for getting the most out of this section: Get involved when you can! Posting and replying is the heartbeat of this community and you DO have something worthwhile to share (when you’re ready ) Every experience is different. There is no competition here. We know how challenging anxiety can be and how it comes in all shapes and sizes. What you are experiencing will be respected and supported here. Trust yourself! You are the expert in your experience. This community works because people like you share what has worked for you. Thank you for getting involved and taking a look. We can’t wait to hear from you! Beyond Blue

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white knight Panic attacks limited remedies
  • replies: 0

Circa 1987 and a sharp chest pain led to a GP visit- diagnosis, heart attack (31yo). 3 months later a full test revealed it was a panic attack. Such is the severity of the chest pain. I eliminated anxiety. It took me 25 years. (search - anxiety, how ... View more

Circa 1987 and a sharp chest pain led to a GP visit- diagnosis, heart attack (31yo). 3 months later a full test revealed it was a panic attack. Such is the severity of the chest pain. I eliminated anxiety. It took me 25 years. (search - anxiety, how I eliminated it). However last weekend although I didn't have chest pains I had my first panic attack in many years. I flew from Melb to Perth to support a school friend I've known for 52 years. He has terminal pancreatic cancer. He is in his 3rd year since diagnosis. A nervous flyer didn't help nor did being out of my comfort zone staying in someones home. On the 2nd day our chatting turned to his feelings for a lady he was intimately involved with. My friend is very rich and his voice got louder as he explained that he "wont let any woman take his millions". Several times I asked him calmly to simmer down and why is he taking it out on me. He did not relent, I walked out. I'd like to tell you of the 60 seconds before I walked out. I went quiet, looked down (not at him), I was in a corner, I had a feeling in my head like hot water being poured over it...I was totally uncomfortable. Anywhere to go but not stay there. I left, walked 10km then flagged a taxi to the airport. I had a return ticket for two days later and couldn't make it earlier (long weekend) so resigned to the fact that I would sleep under bushes for two nights. Our car broke and my savings for this trip was soaked up till next pension day. I cared not. After some breathing and muscle exercises I fell asleep under the stars at the airport. 5am my mate rang. Reluctantly I answered, we worked out some differences, many apologies from him and I spent my time with him again. With some its "flight or fight"...with me its "flight and flight"...I run from situations when panic sets in. Been the same for 62 years. My sister has the same reaction. I now accept that this is me. There is little that can be done except time out. Time alone gives you fume release. In this case it gave my friend reflection time. He is also dying so his anger is at times uncontrollable. It also told me that keeping some relationships at arms length is an art in itself. The most important thing is not to do anything in excess. Massive spending, irresponsible driving and/or drinking etc Those things compound the situation. Care for yourself. In my case sleeping under the stars didn't hurt anyone. Allow time to heal the anxiety. Reflect, relax. It's all ok. TonyWK

paxomatic Anxiety and Futility and Human Connection
  • replies: 3

I am 52, divorced, full-time employed in the public service for over 20 years and have suffered anxiety interspersed with bouts of depression my whole life. I am also highly introverted. Anxiety is the mainstay of my life. I don't have friends except... View more

I am 52, divorced, full-time employed in the public service for over 20 years and have suffered anxiety interspersed with bouts of depression my whole life. I am also highly introverted. Anxiety is the mainstay of my life. I don't have friends except those people that have to work with me in my immediate work environment, not a single one of whom choose to have anything to do with me outside of work. I am able to be social in that environment, to a limited degree. But come the end of the day, I want nothing to do with people either, as I find social interactions of all kinds fatiguing and confusing. I understand the logic of small talk and all its attending processes. I have had plenty of counselling, different kinds of medication, CBT, a degree in communications, and have read very widely on social interaction, social anxiety, etc. I have made every effort to bring positive change in myself and my life. On the topic of medication, the only medication that actually reduced my anxiety I cannot take because doctors tell me it is addictive and should only be used short term. Sorry, my memory is crap and I cannot remember its name. I'm sure most readers here would know what it is. Part of me would rather be addicted to that and have less anxiety, than be full of anxiety most of the time. But I don't take them or any medication. I loath the SSRIs in all their variances. They don't really reduce anxiety, but they do negatively impact my interests in playing music and running. Two things I do find pleasure in. Lately, however, I have come to the conclusion that this is very much like an incurable disease, or a life long disability. A disability that colours all my human interaction with a layer of threat (to me), fatigue at having to very consciously negotiate my interactions with people, and a profound sense of futility. I won't go to counselling anymore. I genuinely see no point. I won't take medication, for the same reason. I know that I am not alone in this, hence, my post in this forum. I don't think for a second I am special or unique in any of this. One of the problems with knowing that is knowing that people with these same issues don't really socialise and so don't find each other. So maybe we can find each other here, from the safety of our homes and phones?

Kat19855 Anxiety attack while falling asleep
  • replies: 3

I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant and cannot fall asleep. Everytime I go from wakefulness to the 1st stage of sleep, I get a rush of doom and cortisol floods my body making me feel so scared and hyperoused. The only way I can fall asleep, albeit for 4i... View more

I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant and cannot fall asleep. Everytime I go from wakefulness to the 1st stage of sleep, I get a rush of doom and cortisol floods my body making me feel so scared and hyperoused. The only way I can fall asleep, albeit for 4ish hours, is if I take a sedation anti depressant which I know is only a band aid solution. I tried falling asleep without it last night and my mind just goes into freak out modeonve I start to get drowsy. I have an appt with a sleep psych tonight to try EMDR. Has anyone experienced this before or has a solution?

K1489 Anxiety and insomia
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone, My name is Kate, I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety late last year. Unfortunately this has been difficult as it also regularly causes me inosomia. The doctor gave me melatonin to help me sleep and medication for anxiety as well as sleep di... View more

Hi everyone, My name is Kate, I’ve been diagnosed with anxiety late last year. Unfortunately this has been difficult as it also regularly causes me inosomia. The doctor gave me melatonin to help me sleep and medication for anxiety as well as sleep disorder. Towards the end of 2018, I’ve been feeling better, actually I only take medication when my anxiety and insomia are really bad. I also saw a psychologist last year to help me understand why I am going through this and why now. Since beginning of 2019, it seems like my anxiety and insomia are worsening, I am now taking medication average of 2-3 nights a week instead of ‘when neede’. This causes me to gain weight approx 5-6 kgs which worsen how I feel and now causing me to feel more depressed and anxious. I have anothe psychologist appointment on the 13 of February hoping we could try other meds without the side effect of gaining weight as well as better management of my anxiety. Could I please ask for helpful advise to help me get through with what I feel? thanks, kate

Meowface At work - not knowing the answer
  • replies: 3

This might seem like an odd topic but I hope it fits here. Does anyone else with anxiety struggle to admit that they don’t know the answer to a problem or question?? Im in a corporate role with very unclear processes and procedures. Last year when I ... View more

This might seem like an odd topic but I hope it fits here. Does anyone else with anxiety struggle to admit that they don’t know the answer to a problem or question?? Im in a corporate role with very unclear processes and procedures. Last year when I was suffering badly with anxiety and in hindsight was very unwell I made some poor decisions because I felt pressured to have the answers. I’m determined not to do that this year, but as a people pleaser I’m finding it hard to say “I don’t know”. Other people seem to have no problems doing this but I compulsively feel like I should be the one to fix the problem - even if I’m not really fixing it!! Any thoughts or experience with this??

Macka90 Anxiety over my baby.
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone. i have a 2 month old son and have been suffering anxiety sonce his birth. I started my meds after his birth and the anxiety got better but now it is back and worse then ever. I am scared to be alone with him in case something happens to ... View more

Hi everyone. i have a 2 month old son and have been suffering anxiety sonce his birth. I started my meds after his birth and the anxiety got better but now it is back and worse then ever. I am scared to be alone with him in case something happens to him, i am scared to go to sleep in case something happens while im asleep and im not there for him. Most of my anxiety is about SIDS, i know its normal for parents to worry about their children but mine is more then the normal and i dont know what to do. I am getting to the point where i cry for no reason as well. I am not a first time mum and wasn’t like this with my other 3 kids. I really just dont know what to do anymore, its impacting my life, I don’t leave the house unless absolutely necessary, even then my anxiety goea through the roof. Someone please help me!!!

JosieG Health anxiety help and suggestions
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am new here & reading every ones posts seem to be helpful. To know I am not alone. I never had any anxiety my whole life until the last few years & I feel it’s taking over my life. Looking back on the last few years I feel it doesn’t take a psy... View more

Hi, I am new here & reading every ones posts seem to be helpful. To know I am not alone. I never had any anxiety my whole life until the last few years & I feel it’s taking over my life. Looking back on the last few years I feel it doesn’t take a psychologist to work out where my health anxiety stems from but even though the rational part of my brain knows it’s pribsbl anxiety I can’t shift my the feeling I must have a serious illness or that I will have a short life. My my dad got sick completely out of the blue in 2016 & at 56 died within a few months of knowing he had cancer, I was 30 when he died & watching his demise from a healthy , energetic very intelligent man to my mum & I caring for him at home until he died obviously left a big impact on me. In the following 2 years I had 2 ectopic pregnancies & required surgery twice and was both physically and psychologically drained from grieving for my dad & my pregnancies and then it felt like I had everything wrong, all at varying times over the last year or so I’ve thought I had stomach cancer, I had what felt like an actual lump in my throat. I feel fatigued, I wake up stiff and sure, I’ve had headaches & migraines. I thought at one time I had a PE after my second surgery ( I didn’t) because I could taken a full breath in. I’ve had tension headaches, dizziness on and off. Eye floaters, I have also recently had 2 panic Attack a which is new as of the last month. Twice I had a sense of ‘ impending doom’ heart palpitations, sweaty & this wave of dizziness that felt like I was about to pass out, obviously I didn’t pass out or die but I was convinced I was about it. I feel my symptoms are worse when I’m looking them up ( I know I shouldnt do this) can’t focus my mind away from my symptoms & worse when I’m alone at home & not busy . So I do think it is anxiety However what it’s not? for the past 2 days I’m fixated on MS, and feel my feet tingling with pins & needles, I feel tired & body feels electrified at times. How can I feel so physically unwell & it feel so real and it not be MS & just anxiety. It makes no sense. any tips /books or websites or advice greatly appreciated. I feel I live 2 lives as I can’t tell my friends as & my partner only knows the tip or the ice berg to how I feel & just says ‘ your fine’ please help

amyk365 Waking up in a panic repeatedly all night, every night.
  • replies: 4

Hi guys! This is my first post here, I really need to talk to someone about what's been going on with me.First a bit of backstory: for the past week or so I've been suffering from a burning sensation in my feet and thighs, doctor has run all the bloo... View more

Hi guys! This is my first post here, I really need to talk to someone about what's been going on with me.First a bit of backstory: for the past week or so I've been suffering from a burning sensation in my feet and thighs, doctor has run all the blood tests and I don't have anything serious, he thinks it's a virus of some kind & I just have to wait it out.At the start of the week I was waking up in a panic a couple of times a night because it felt like my feet were on fire. I was always able to get back to sleep after I'd calmed down. Now I'm immediately waking up with a jolt whenever I start to drop off. If I'm lucky enough to get through this stage I sleep for about half an hour then wake up in an absolute panic. At this point my feet are usually only mildly warm, so I don't think it's that causing me to wake up anymore.I'm at the end of my rope, I've had about 20 hours sleep in five days and my pain tolerance for my legs is way down. I know my tired scared brain is spiralling and coming up with all kinds of dreaded "what if's" like "I'm never going to sleep soundly again" and "all this lack of sleep is not helping me fight off this virus that's started the whole thing" but I don't know what to do. I have been trying desperately to employ some of the CBT techniques I learnt about panic surfing and whatnot but it's hard at 2am when I've been jolted awake for the fourth time already and I'm anxious about both my mystery burning feet pain and just about being anxious.I've tried writing my problems down before going to bed, I've tried relaxation tapes, they are all well and good to get me to sleep at first but it doesn't stop the panic response/jolting awake once I am. The only time I got a bit of relief was I took a sleeping tablet a couple of nights ago and that gave me a much-needed solid seven hours sleep, but I know thats not a long-term solution. I am going back to the doctor for a few more blood tests on Wed & I'll be asking for another referral to go back and see my psychologist again (it's been about a year... I thought I was coping well without her but obviously not) but that doesn't solve my immediate sleep issues. I am not on any meds, my psychologist has not thought them necessary so far.I'm not sure what I'm asking in this thread, I guess I just needed to vent to people who might understand and have some encouraging words or advice to make me feel like this isn't as terrifying as my exhausted brain is making it feel right now. Amy

CassieBun Help with anxiety disorder and ageing
  • replies: 10

Hi I am 61. I have generalized anxiety disorder. I work as a hairdresser and have multiple ailments. I went back to work today after a short break in 43 degree heat getting in and out a hot car to do hair in people's homes. I have been a mobile haird... View more

Hi I am 61. I have generalized anxiety disorder. I work as a hairdresser and have multiple ailments. I went back to work today after a short break in 43 degree heat getting in and out a hot car to do hair in people's homes. I have been a mobile hairdresser for 19 years with hardly any breaks due to being self employed. I am worn out and tired. Tonight I came home and literally broke down. I cried through exhaustion and the heat and had to go to bed. I can't cope anymore. My husband doesn't really understand, my doctor fobs me off. I do not want to go on anti depressants. I am not overweight and try to keep reasonably fit due to my job. I come from a family of depression, suicides and my three siblings have schizophrenia or bi polar disorder. (My brother suicided) I feel like I'm going mad most days. I am struggling with ageing and the thought of working another 6 years after working 45 years with very few breaks and being a single mother. I have retrained in various areas to try to get other work but to no avail I believe due to my age even though I present well (on the outside at least). I just want to know how other people cope with anxiety, over thinking and sadness almost daily and getting old. I am happy go lucky on the outside but broken inside. I have NOTHING left in me. My circle do not understand my sadness.

brendaa151 Anxiety / Depression- The Pill?
  • replies: 2

Hey guys, So I went on the pill for about 6 months total, but it gave me insane anxiety and panic attacks so I cam off it it. Since coming off the pill almost 2 months ago I've suffered what I believe to be depression and the panic attacks / anxiety ... View more

Hey guys, So I went on the pill for about 6 months total, but it gave me insane anxiety and panic attacks so I cam off it it. Since coming off the pill almost 2 months ago I've suffered what I believe to be depression and the panic attacks / anxiety has continued, if not gotten more intense. I'm just wondering if anyone out there has or is experiencing the same thing and if so, how long from being off the pill did you somewhat return to normal? my dr and some people I know that went through similar said 2-3months. I was just wondering if anyone had an experience like this of their own that could enlighten me. I am so so worried that this will never change and I have this dooming feeling that I will be trapped forever like this. It's very scary. Thanks so much everyone

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